2018 NFL mock draft: Quarterbacks take top 3 spots

2018 NFL mock draft: Quarterbacks take top 3 spots

It’s never too early to start projecting next year’s draft, and the good folks at CBS Sports are among the many outlets throwing out some early forecasts.

In their latest 2018 NFL mock draft, CBS has three quarterbacks coming off the board to start things off, with the Browns taking Wyoming’s Josh Allen at No. 1 overall:

There will be debates all year over which of the consensus top three quarterbacks should go No. 1 overall. Each has their legitimate arguments, but the bet here for now is that Allen winds up at the top of the heap.

At No. 2 overall, this projection has the San Francisco 49ers opting for UCLA’s Josh Rosen:

Brian Hoyer is a nice stop-gap option for the 49ers, but if they wind up with another top pick in a QB-heavy class, it seems safe to bet on John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan taking the plunge.

Surprisingly, USC’s Sam Darnold is the last of the top quarterbacks to come off the board at the top of this mock, landing at No. 3 overall with the New York Jets:

The Jets didn’t have the best luck the last time they drafted a quarterback out of USC, but Darnold showed more talent during his first year as the starter than Mark Sanchez ever did. They’ll be thrilled if he drops to No. 3.

Last year’s running back class was one for the ages, but while the 2018 class may lack the same depth, there are a pair of stud prospects who should be first-round locks. Both Penn State’s Saquon Barkley (No. 13, Philadelphia Eagles) and LSU’s Derrius Guice (No. 19, Oakland Raiders) find their way into this mock.

After last year’s weak offensive tackle class only had two first-round picks (none in the top 15), this mock shows the improved depth of this year’s group with five projected among the top 32 picks.